Old clock movement won't run

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 12:09 am     Post subject: Old clock movement won't run

I just acquired a wind up 24 hour Chelsea clock movement. It is sued to turn a paper dial to record pressure over a 24 hour period. It's serial number puts it around 1924. I fixed the main spring somewhat. The winder shaft has a catch that catches the end of the spring but it slips off often.
The problem other than that is it won't stay running. I wind it up and the wheel (I don't know the terms yet) wants to turn but it just won't go. I give it a push start and it runs for a few seconds a come to a halt. I am assuming from it's age it's needs a cleaning and oiling. I am going to attempt to do it myself. After I buy a bunch of tools I am sure.
Any ideas?

Thanks,

John O'D

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 7:14 am     Post subject: Chelsea time recorder

It sounds as if the click spring is either missing or broken if the click slips off when you wind it. It could also be that the mainspring is not attached to the winding shaft at all and needs to be replaced.
The movement appears to be a balance wheel or lever action type. Your problem about it not running could relate to cleaning and lubrication, a distorted hair spring, or worn bushings and/or there could be other problems as well. Balance wheel or lever action movements are finicky to deal with and I don't advise it as a first time clock repair project for the novice.

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:07 am     Post subject:

Thanks clkwrx,

I really appreciate your reply. The problem with the winder is the shaft for the key. It has sort of a catch on the shaft it's self. Like someone has chiseled a burr. As you turn the shaft it catches the spring. I think that catch is worn. The end of the spring is miss shapen. I should wrap around the shaft better than it does.
It's a balance wheel type. I bought a bunch of stuff from timesavers. Tools, oil, optics and a book. I figure I have to start somewhere so I am going for it. I am a very experienced mechanic but that does not make me a clock mechanic but I guess it's a good start. The hair spring is of, everything looks ok and in very good shape. It just won't stay running. From the reading I have done so far it seems dirt and age will cause this to happen. It hasn't been used since 1952 so it's just been sitting for 54 years. It was only in service for 25 or so years.
Thanks again for you help. Do you know of any other forums I can join?

John O'D